AX-S System Challenges Up for Discussion

Following more than £120 million of investment and eight years of research and development, the AX-S well intervention system used remote-controlled subsea tools and was the first technology in this field that could be deployed from a construction vessel and operate in depths of up to 10,000ft. The business which developed the system subsequently went into administration on September 1, 2012, with the loss of 40 jobs.

Andrew Reid, Group CEO at Douglas Westwood, a provider of business strategy, research and commercial due-diligence services to the energy sector, will give an in-depth analysis of the AX-S case study during his keynote address at the 19th SPE ICoTA Well Intervention Conference and Exhibition.

Mr. Reid will examine the technical successes and challenges faced by the company and its partners during the development of AX-S.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Mr. Reid said, “The AX-S system has been an important step change in the well intervention industry. The development process and the implementation of AX-S have highlighted a number of key learning points that will be of interest to both oil services companies, which may be looking to develop revenue opportunities from new intervention technologies, and exploration and production firms, which could benefit both operationally and commercially.”

John Donachie, conference chairman and managing director of Omega Completion Technology Limited, said, “The SPE ICoTA Well Intervention conference is a well-established, successful event and this year we have already seen a high level of delegate bookings as well as all exhibition space sold out.”

Donachie added, “It is extremely encouraging to see how the show has grown into a major industry event, which attracts technical experts from all across Europe. Information exchange and focused discussion on industry successes and failures are key to the longevity of the industry and we strive to ensure that the SPE ICoTA Well Intervention Conference remains one of the leading forums for doing this.”

The SPE ICoTA Well Intervention Conference & Exhibition takes place on November 13-14 at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Center.

A preconference short course, “An Introduction to Well Intervention” will kick off the event on November 12. The event is aimed towards those looking to gain a basic understanding of well intervention operations or looking for a refresher, as well as students and graduates.

The ICoTA European Chapter Innovation Award 2013 will also be announced during the conference on Wednesday, November 13. The award recognizes a company operating within the energy sector and acknowledges its technical innovations in the area of well intervention.

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